I've only purchased Ex items from them and they always seem to be in brilliant shape with a single blemish (like the metering prisim for my 645 Pro which just has a single scratch on the top of it). Seeing as you live a whole lot closer to them, why not try the Bgn body, and if it's not for you make use of their exchange policy? Though from what I've read, everything from KEH rated above Ugly is worthy of owning.

BGN stuff is usually okay but ievitably has some flaw. Sometimes the flaw is annoying, and sometimes it's no big deal. Occasionally it's fatal (like the F4S I bought that killed a set of batteries in two days unless they were completely removed from the camera ).

On the other hand I've had exceptional luck with EX-rated stuff, like my own F5 (I bought a "non-US" one since I don't care if Nikon USA will repair it; I don't live in the US) and my Bronica SQ-A.

I'd recommend the EX-rated body. However, if you don't have any Nikkors you might be better to spend your $400 on some good lenses and a basic body (there are lots of good AF Nikon bodies for well under $100 that will make nice second bodies for you later when you finally get your F5). While I think that bodies are important, for the most part glass is more important.

Jim MacKenzie - Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

A bunch of Nikons; Feds, Zorkis and a Kiev; Pentax 67-II (inherited from my deceased father-in-law); Bronica SQ-A; and a nice Shen Hao 4x5 field camera with 3 decent lenses that needs to be taken outside more. Oh, and as of mid-2012, one of those bodies we don't talk about here.

for things with finicky and delicate electronic parts, take no chances and go with the highest quality that is in your budget. however, BGN quality is (in my experience) absolutely fantastic for something hefty, mechanical, and metal.

I bought a BGN F5 from KEH last month and it was in surprisingly good condition. The only "flaw" it had was a 1/4" scuff on the prism and a missing eye cup. But the body itself was nearly spotless. No regrets at all and I may buy another.

I buy mostly BGN condition and have been pleasantly surprised each time. The few times I have purchased EX, it is always in what I would consider 'almost new'. I feel confident with the BGN rated gear from KEH.

I've returned a few BGN items from KEH because they were pretty beat up, more so than I would want to rely on especially if there's plenty of higher grade gear available at not too much more of an investment. I find EX to be my threshold of satisfaction from KEH.

I've always bought Bargain grade from KEH. The only item I've ever returned was a Nikkor E lens that was mislabled as an AIS lens. Aside from that, KEH usually flags problems with equipment on their web.

One thing to note, if you buy it from KEH and something is wrong, they will gladly take it back.